The news this morning is that an appointment has been made to the key position in the performance curling strategy in Scotland, and for GB leading towards the next Olympics. There is a photo of Dave Crosbee, currently one of sportscotland Institute of Sport's High Performance Managers, here. He does not have a curling background, but has been involved in the sport at Institute level, see below. Although he does not officially take up his post until January, I believe he is involved this week on the interview panel for the three team coaches and the high performance coach (see here, and here).
Today's press release says, "British Curling in partnership with sportscotland and the Royal Caledonian Curling Club today announced the appointment of Dave Crosbee as Performance Director to lead the High Performance Curling Programme.
In his new role Dave will head up the new fully integrated British and Scottish Performance programme (Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair). Dave Crosbee has a strong background in performance sport. He spent five years as national coach in canoe slalom before joining the high performance team at the institute in 2003 as Head of Performance Planning and Coordination. In 2008, he took on the post of High Performance Manager with specific responsibility for key sports including curling, swimming and cycling. Over the past few years Dave has become very familiar with the specific demands of the curling programme, which will allow him to hit the ground running.
Speaking about his appetite for the challenges that lie ahead, Dave said, 'This programme is extremely important to Scotland and I am honoured to take up this position. I look forward to building on the past world class successes with the aim of delivering Olympic and Paralympic success in Sochi 2014.'
While the Scottish teams are concentrating on the immediate demands of the European Championships in Switzerland, the winter Olympics in Sochi in 2014 will provide the longer term focus for the GB programme and Dave’s appointment was welcomed by Mike Gillespie, Chair of British Curling, who said, 'British Curling is delighted with Dave Crosbee’s appointment as Performance Director. He brings a wealth of high performance experience to the sport of curling and we look forward to the leadership he will provide over the next four years as we work towards Sochi.'
Bruce Crawford, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club is equally enthusiastic about the future direction for high performance curling in Scotland, 'We are developing strong partnerships in the high performance area of curling and Dave brings great skills and experience to lead this area for us all. He describes his focus as being athlete centered with the best coaches and support that we can collectively find. I look forward to working with Dave and his team of experts.'
Dave will take up his new post in January 2011 and will be joined by a new team of three head coaches. The programme currently receives investment from both UK Sport and sportscotland. It is anticipated that UK Sport will confirm its new investment for the 2010-2014 cycle in mid December and Dave Crosbee can plan his programme with the support of all partners."
